Miniature Pigs | Pot Belly Pigs | Mini Pigs

Category: Miniature Pigs

Congratulations! You’ve picked your piggy and are ready to bring her home! Or are you? There’s more to just opening your front door, setting your new pet down and letting her have free run of the place. Do so at your peril. Keep reading for just a handful of considerations.

If miniature pigs are the pet for you there are some things you need to do to prepare your home to ensure it is pig-friendly. As mentioned in Deciding if Miniature Pigs are the Right Pet for You, careful introduction to the other members (pets) of your family is a definite must. Introductions are best handled by a partition which allows your pets to become familiar with the sight and smell of your new addition but without allowing actual contact.

It is also essential that you have a nursery ready for your miniature pigs. Pigs aren’t big fans of change so it’s best to have this ready in advance. The nursery should include a bed, blankets and towels in which your pig can burrow, a water bowl, toys and a play-pen. Yep, I said toys. Miniature pigs love toys.

The outdoor areas in which you pig will roam and graze should be fenced to prevent your pet from wandering off. Grass on which it may feed should be chemical-free. You would also do well to have a small area sectioned off as a pig pen where miniature pigs can be held particularly if you have a large yard.

No, you don’t need mud. Pigs aren’t dirty creatures. This is a myth created by us because we tend to keep our pigs outdoors in less sanitary conditions. They are actually very clean animals. That said, they do eat like pigs. Miniature pigs are utterly passionate about food. Speaking of food…

Be sure you’ve purchased high-quality feed for your miniature pigs and have some raw vegetables (they love them) on hand as a treat. Pigs require roughage in their diets. Never feed your pigs table scraps as they will learn to beg and those sharp, hard piggy hooves will really hurt when he starts jumping up every time you sit down for a meal. Also, don’t let piggy become familiar with your primary food storage area (the refrigerator) as they are bright enough to open the door and self-feed. Feed your miniature pigs on a set schedule to prevent overeating.

Finally, your new pet(s) can be housebroken. Until they are, though, do not leave them unattended. Housebreaking miniature pigs to use a litter box or to do their business outside will require patience and effort on your part just as it would with any other animal.…

The simple answer to this question is…YES!! Just as people develop indigestion (from eating too much or eating too much of the wrong foods) pot-bellied pigs can too! It’s a fact, pot-bellied pigs LOVE to indulge (after all, they aren’t called pigs for nothing!). In all seriousness, no pig will pass up an opportunity to chow down. Some pigs even learn how to open a cupboard door or kitchen drawer just to get to that delicious bag of pig food (and if it just so happens the dog food is stored in the same location…BONUS…they will eat that too!).

Pigs will eat just about anything…which is why their feeding schedules and diet should be closely monitored. With that being said, if your pig happens to get into the kitchen pantry and goes on an eating frenzy, it is very possible that he or she will develop indigestion.

Indigestion occurs when a pig’s stomach is over-full. Just as a child develops a stomach ache after eating too much candy or junk food…a pig can develop the same type of symptoms. A pig with indigestion may walk with an arched back. They may also have trouble sleeping and getting comfortable. A piggy with a really bad case of indigestion may moan and refuse to walk until they feel better.read more information about teacup pigs at http://miniaturepigsguide.com/bringing-piggy-home

Treatment for piggy indigestion is fairly simple. Withhold food for twelve to twenty-four hours and if you wish, give your pot-belly a dose of Mylanta or Mylicon. PLEASE read the label so that you give your pig the proper dose. Dosing is determined by weight. If after a couple of days your pig doesn’t seem to be improving, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.

Though a case of indigestion may cause your pig to be uncomfortable for a day or so…the good news is he should get better rather quickly and will once again be begging and rooting for food and goodies. As previously mentioned, it is a good idea to monitor your pig’s diet and feeding schedule…and if necessary, put a lock on the pantry door!…